Brightstar Corp. has announced an expansion of its distribution agreement with Research In Motion (RIM) into the Oceania region.

The company says it will leverage its strong market presence and relationships across the Oceania region (Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Samoa) to deliver BlackBerry solutions including a complete range of BlackBerry smartphones, software services and accessories.

Additionally, Brightstar will distribute the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet to the Australian market. The BlackBerry range of solutions will be available from various network operators and retail outlets in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

"The further expansion of our RIM distribution business across the Oceania region is an exciting advancement in the relationship between our two companies, and is a testament to the joint successes we have achieved together globally," said Arturo Osorio, president of Brightstar Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. "We look forward to harnessing our extensive relationships across the region and utilizing our innovative suite of channel services and product delivery tools to expand BlackBerry's business across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands."

Adele Beachley, Managing Director at RIM ANZ said, "This agreement marks the expansion of our distribution network in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Samoa. RIM's BlackBerry solutions are popular with enterprise, small business and consumers alike and our relationship with Brightstar will help RIM to forge new relationships with retailers in these markets."

For more than six years, RIM and Brightstar have enjoyed a strong and growing global relationship, and, with today's announcement, the companies have now expanded their collaboration to 94 countries and territories. In addition to Oceania, Brightstar currently distributes BlackBerry solutions to network operators, retailers and Value-Added Resellers (VARs) throughout the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean.